feasible
Something is feasible if it can be done in a practical and realistic way.
Explanation at your level:
If you want to do something, and you have enough time and money, we say it is feasible. It means 'you can do it.' For example, if you have 5 dollars and a candy bar costs 1 dollar, buying it is feasible. If you have 0 dollars, it is not feasible.
Feasible means that a plan is realistic. If you have a school project, you need to check if it is feasible. Can you finish it by Friday? If yes, it is feasible. If you need a month but only have one day, it is not feasible.
We use feasible to talk about whether something is practical. It is a common word in business. A manager might say, 'Is this budget feasible?' This means, 'Can we actually afford this without running out of money?' It is a more professional way to say 'possible' or 'doable.'
In B2 English, feasible is used to evaluate complex situations. It implies that you have considered the resources, time, and potential obstacles. We often use it with adverbs like 'technically' or 'economically.' It adds a layer of objective assessment to your speech, showing that you are thinking critically about the outcome of an action.
At the C1 level, feasible is used to distinguish between theoretical possibilities and practical realities. It is common in academic writing to discuss whether a hypothesis is feasible given current technological limitations. It carries a nuance of 'viability'—it is not just about doing it, but about doing it in a way that is sustainable or successful over the long term.
At the C2 level, feasible is used to describe the intersection of logic, resource management, and strategic planning. It is often contrasted with 'idealistic' or 'utopian' concepts. When a policy or plan is deemed feasible, it implies a deep understanding of the constraints involved. It is a precise term that avoids the vagueness of 'possible,' grounding the conversation in reality and operational capacity.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Feasible means capable of being done.
- It focuses on practicality and resources.
- It is common in professional and academic contexts.
- The noun form is feasibility.
Hey there! Let's talk about the word feasible. When you hear this word, think of the word 'doable.' If a project is feasible, it means you have enough time, the right tools, and the money to actually get it across the finish line.
It is not just about whether something can be done in theory, but whether it is practical in reality. For example, building a rocket to Mars is theoretically possible, but is it feasible for you to do it in your backyard this weekend? Probably not! It helps us manage expectations and focus on what we can truly accomplish.
The word feasible has a really cool history that traces back to the Old French word faisable, which literally means 'doable.' This comes from the French verb faire, meaning 'to do' or 'to make,' which itself comes from the Latin facere.
It entered the English language in the 14th century. Over time, it shifted from meaning simply 'easy to do' to the more nuanced 'capable of being done under specific circumstances.' It shares a root with words like factory and manufacture, reminding us that at its core, this word is all about action and creation.
You will hear feasible most often in professional or academic settings. It is a favorite word for project managers and scientists! We often pair it with verbs like is, seems, or remains.
Common phrases include economically feasible or technically feasible. It is a bit more formal than saying 'it's possible,' so use it when you want to sound professional and analytical. If you are just talking to friends, 'doable' is usually the go-to choice.
While feasible itself isn't a core part of many idioms, it is often used in expressions of possibility.
- Within the realm of possibility: Something that is feasible.
- A tall order: Something that is not easily feasible.
- Get off the ground: To start a project that is feasible.
- Worth a shot: Trying something that might be feasible.
- Go the distance: Completing a plan that was deemed feasible.
Feasible is an adjective. It does not have a plural form because it describes a quality. The IPA pronunciation is ˈfiːzəbl. The stress is on the first syllable: FEE-zuh-bull.
It rhymes with words like reasonable, seasonable, and pleasable. Remember to keep the 's' sound soft, like in 'easy.' It is almost always used as a predicate adjective (e.g., 'The plan is feasible') or before a noun (e.g., 'a feasible solution').
Fun Fact
It shares a root with 'factory'!
Pronunciation Guide
FEE-zuh-bull
FEE-zuh-bull
Common Errors
- Pronouncing the 's' as 'z' too hard
- Misplacing the stress on the second syllable
- Adding an extra vowel sound
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Common in professional texts.
Great for academic essays.
Sounds professional in meetings.
Common in news and business.
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Adjective usage
The plan is feasible.
Infinitive patterns
It is feasible to do.
Linking verbs
It seems feasible.
Examples by Level
It is feasible to walk to school.
It is possible to walk.
Adjective usage.
Is this game feasible?
Can we play it?
Question form.
The plan is feasible.
The plan works.
Simple sentence.
It is not feasible today.
We cannot do it today.
Negative form.
Is it feasible to eat now?
Can we eat now?
Infinitive pattern.
That is a feasible idea.
A good, doable idea.
Adjective + noun.
We need a feasible way.
A way that works.
Noun modification.
It sounds feasible.
It sounds like it works.
Linking verb.
Is it feasible to finish the book by Monday?
We need a feasible schedule for the trip.
That goal is not feasible right now.
They found a feasible way to save money.
Is a small garden feasible in this space?
The team discussed if the project was feasible.
He made a feasible list of tasks.
It is a feasible solution to our problem.
The committee decided the proposal was not economically feasible.
We are looking for a more feasible approach to the problem.
Is it technically feasible to build a bridge here?
They needed to ensure the timeline was feasible.
The plan seems feasible, provided we get more funding.
Finding a feasible alternative is our top priority.
She presented a highly feasible strategy to the board.
It is rarely feasible to complete such a task alone.
The feasibility study confirmed the project was viable.
We must determine if this expansion is commercially feasible.
It is not feasible to ignore the environmental impact.
The proposal is feasible, but it requires significant effort.
They are debating the feasible options for the merger.
Given the constraints, this is the only feasible path.
He questioned whether the timeline was truly feasible.
The solution is feasible, but it lacks long-term support.
The implementation of such a policy is simply not feasible in the current climate.
We must assess the feasible parameters of the research project.
His ambitious plan was deemed not feasible by the experts.
The most feasible course of action is to delay the launch.
Achieving carbon neutrality by 2030 is arguably not feasible.
The engineers argued that the design was not feasible.
We need to identify the most feasible strategy for expansion.
The project remains feasible as long as the budget holds.
The feasibility of the mission hinges on the availability of rare resources.
While theoretically sound, the proposal lacks a feasible execution plan.
One must distinguish between what is desirable and what is feasible.
The architect questioned the feasible limits of the structural design.
A feasible compromise was reached after hours of negotiation.
The government is evaluating the feasible alternatives to coal.
It is a question of whether such rapid growth is feasible.
We are exploring the feasible applications of this new technology.
Antonyms
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"within the realm of possibility"
something that is feasible
Winning is within the realm of possibility.
formal"easier said than done"
something that is not easily feasible
Building a house is easier said than done.
casual"a tall order"
a task that is hard to make feasible
Finishing by noon is a tall order.
casual"get the green light"
to be told a plan is feasible
We got the green light to start.
casual"back to the drawing board"
when a plan is not feasible
The plan failed, so back to the drawing board.
casual"a shot in the dark"
an attempt at something not clearly feasible
It was a shot in the dark, but it worked.
casualEasily Confused
Both mean something can happen.
Possible is general; feasible is practical.
It is possible to fly, but not feasible for me.
Both mean something can work.
Viable focuses on long-term survival.
The business is viable.
Both relate to doing things.
Practical is about usefulness.
It is a practical shoe.
Both involve success.
Achievable is about reaching a goal.
The goal is achievable.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + is + feasible
The idea is feasible.
It + is + feasible + to + verb
It is feasible to start now.
Find + it + feasible
I find it feasible.
Seems + feasible
The plan seems feasible.
Highly + feasible
This is highly feasible.
Word Family
Nouns
Adjectives
Related
How to Use It
7
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Feasibility is a noun; feasible is the adjective.
Possible is broader; feasible implies effort and resources.
It follows the -ible suffix rule.
Feasible describes plans/ideas, not people.
Don't use it for magic or impossible things.
Tips
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Fee' (money) making a 'Sible' (possible) bridge.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings when discussing project timelines.
Cultural Insight
It is a word that shows you are a realistic thinker.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb.
Say It Right
Focus on the 'FEE' sound.
Don't Make This Mistake
Don't confuse it with 'feasible' as a noun.
Did You Know?
It comes from the same root as 'factory'.
Study Smart
Use it in your own project planning.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
FEE-sible: If you have the FEE (money), it is sible (possible)!
Visual Association
A person checking a checklist and marking everything as 'done'.
Word Web
Challenge
Write down one thing you want to do today and ask yourself if it is feasible.
Word Origin
French
Original meaning: Doable
Cultural Context
None.
Used heavily in business, engineering, and government.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
At work
- Is this feasible?
- We need a feasible plan.
- That is not feasible.
At school
- Is this project feasible?
- A feasible schedule.
- Is it feasible to finish?
Planning a trip
- Is this budget feasible?
- A feasible route.
- Is it feasible to drive?
Engineering
- Technically feasible
- Feasibility study
- Design is feasible
Conversation Starters
"Do you think it is feasible to travel to Mars?"
"What is a feasible way to save money?"
"Is it feasible to learn a language in a month?"
"What makes a plan feasible for you?"
"Can you think of a project that was not feasible?"
Journal Prompts
Describe a goal you have and explain why it is feasible.
Write about a time you had a plan that was not feasible.
How do you decide if a task is feasible?
What are the most important factors for a feasible plan?
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsThey are similar, but feasible implies practicality and resources.
The project is feasible.
No, use 'capable' instead.
Feasibility.
Yes, it is common in professional settings.
No, it is an adjective.
Yes, but 'highly feasible' is more common.
Infeasible or impractical.
Test Yourself
The plan is ___.
Feasible fits the context of a plan.
What does feasible mean?
Feasible means doable.
Is 'feasible' an adjective?
Yes, it describes a noun.
Word
Meaning
Synonyms and antonyms.
The plan is feasible.
Score: /5
Summary
If a plan is feasible, you have the resources to make it happen!
- Feasible means capable of being done.
- It focuses on practicality and resources.
- It is common in professional and academic contexts.
- The noun form is feasibility.
Memory Palace Trick
Imagine a 'Fee' (money) making a 'Sible' (possible) bridge.
When Native Speakers Use It
In meetings when discussing project timelines.
Cultural Insight
It is a word that shows you are a realistic thinker.
Grammar Shortcut
Always follow with 'to' + verb.
Example
It is not feasible to finish the entire project by tomorrow morning.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More Work words
abformize
C1To structure or give a specific, standardized form to an object, idea, or process, often based on a pre-existing model or mold. It is frequently used in technical or theoretical contexts to describe the transition from an amorphous state to a defined configuration.
abmissery
C1To formally discharge or release an individual from a specific duty, mission, or administrative post, typically due to a failure to meet requirements or an organizational change. It implies a structured removal from a position of responsibility before the natural conclusion of a term.
abregship
C1To systematically condense, streamline, or narrow the scope of duties and authorities inherent in a formal leadership position or institutional office. This verb is typically used in the context of organizational restructuring to describe the reduction of a role's breadth to increase efficiency.
absigntude
C1To formally and publicly relinquish a position of authority or a professional responsibility, specifically as an act of moral or ethical protest. This verb implies that the departure is accompanied by a documented statement of principles or a refusal to comply with compromised standards.
accomplishment
B2An accomplishment is something that has been achieved successfully, especially through hard work, skill, or perseverance. It refers both to the act of finishing a task and the successful result itself.
achievement
C1A thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill. In an academic or professional context, it refers to the act of reaching a specific level of performance or completing a significant milestone.
adantiary
C1To strategically adjust or modify an existing plan, process, or structure in anticipation of specific future obstacles or changes. This verb describes the proactive act of refining a strategy before a problem actually occurs.
adept
C1Highly skilled or proficient at a task that requires specific knowledge or practice. It describes a person who can perform complex actions with ease and precision.
adflexship
C1To strategically and dynamically adapt one's professional approach or methodology by flexibly integrating new skills or environmental shifts. It describes the active process of mastering situational changes to maintain a competitive or functional advantage.
adhument
C1To provide support, assistance, or reinforcement to a person, organization, or project. It specifically refers to the act of strengthening an existing foundation or effort through additional resources or effort.